LATICS FED OFF THE CROWD SAYS FORTUNE

At 2-0 down to Doncaster Rovers last night at the DW Stadium, Owen Coyle introduced Marc-Antoine Fortune for his home debut, with the striker proving a handful for the visitors’ defence.

Fortune had a hand in both goals, being fouled for Shaun Maloney’s dipping free kick and playing back the cross for Leon Barnett’s dramatic equaliser.

The French Guianese forward said that the desire of the players to turn the game around and the passion of the fans went hand-in-hand.

“We were two goals down so we need to at least draw the game.

“We fed off the crowd in the second half and we need our supporters behind us like that to help us this season and get the results.

“I can understand why they were disappointed in the first half because of the score line.

“After that we showed that we had the desire to want to win the game, we only got the draw but it was great to see how passionate our supporters were.”

On his own impact in the game Fortune added:

“The intensity of the game was high to go into when I came on but I was trying really hard to play my part in the second half.

“It’s all about team spirit and I tried my best to help the team so I’m really happy to have set Leon (Barnett) up for the equaliser.

“I’m usually inside the box to finish off the crosses but I don’t mind where I am on the pitch as long as I’m helping the team and if it means I’m on the by-line setting up an equaliser then I’m happy, we’re all happy.

“And of course the free kick that Shaun (Maloney) scored was for a foul on me, I’m a striker and it’s my job to get involved like that and cause problems for the defence.”

With another game quickly on the horizon against Middlesbrough on Saturday, Fortune sent out a clear message:

“Naturally we want to win every game but we know that it’s going to be difficult because teams want to beat us.

“We’re ready for that challenge and we need to be professional to make sure we get the job done next time around.

“After the results against Bournemouth and Doncaster we need to bounce back to a victory quickly which is why it’s good that we’ve got another game at home on Sunday against Middlesbrough.

“It wasn’t a good result last night but we’ve got ourselves in the mood to fight for a win and the games are coming for us to do that.”

You can get tickets to Latics' next game at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday by [clicking here].